What Are Capers and How to Use Them in Cooking

Capers can instantly make a simple salad more interesting.

Try adding a small spoonful to:

• Potato salad
• Tomato salad
• Green salads
• Pasta salad
• Tuna salad
• Mediterranean salads

They work especially well with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and fresh herbs.

Because they’re already salty and acidic, you may need less dressing than usual.

Use Them on Pizza

Capers aren’t the first pizza topping most people think about, but they’re surprisingly delicious.

They pair particularly well with:

• Olives
• Anchovies
• Tomatoes
• Mozzarella
• Roasted vegetables
• Fresh herbs

Their intense flavor means you only need a small amount.

Make a Quick Caper Sauce

You don’t need an elaborate recipe to use capers.

For a simple sauce, gently warm olive oil or butter with minced garlic. Add a spoonful of drained capers and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Let everything warm together for a minute or two, then spoon the mixture over cooked fish, chicken, roasted vegetables, or potatoes.

It’s an incredibly simple way to turn basic ingredients into something much more flavorful.

Add Capers to Eggs

Capers can also work surprisingly well with eggs.

Try adding a few chopped capers to scrambled eggs, omelets, or a breakfast sandwich.

They pair particularly well with smoked salmon, cream cheese, herbs, and lemon.

Just remember that a little goes a long way.

What About Capers in Sandwiches?

Chopped capers can add a wonderful savory bite to sandwiches and spreads.

Mix them into:

• Tuna salad
• Egg salad
• Chicken salad
• Mayonnaise-based sauces
• Cream cheese
• Homemade tartar sauce

They can make a simple sandwich taste considerably more sophisticated.

Don’t Throw Away the Caper Brine

The liquid in the jar can also be useful.

Caper brine contains the salty and acidic flavors that make capers so distinctive.

A small amount can be added to:

• Salad dressings
• Sauces
• Marinades
• Homemade mayonnaise
• Tuna salad

Just remember that it’s concentrated, so start with a small amount and taste as you go.

How Should Capers Be Stored?

Once opened, capers should generally be kept refrigerated according to the instructions on their packaging.

Keep them submerged in their preserving liquid and use a clean utensil when removing them from the jar.

Always check the manufacturer’s storage instructions, expiration information, and the appearance and smell of the product before using it.

Are Capers Healthy?

Capers can contribute flavor to meals without requiring large quantities, and they contain various plant compounds.

However, because they’re commonly preserved in salt or brine, their sodium content can be significant.

So while capers can absolutely be part of a balanced diet, people who need to limit sodium should pay attention to portion sizes and consider rinsing them before use.

It’s also worth remembering that capers are generally used as a seasoning or garnish rather than eaten in large quantities.

How Many Capers Should You Use?

There’s no universal rule, but starting with one or two tablespoons for a recipe serving several people is often enough.

You can always add more.

That’s much easier than trying to rescue a dish that has become overwhelmingly salty or acidic.

If you’re new to capers, start small and taste as you go.

The Best Way to Think About Capers

Capers are essentially a flavor amplifier.

They don’t need to dominate a dish.

Instead, they add little bursts of acidity, saltiness, and savory complexity that make other ingredients taste more interesting.

A basic piece of grilled fish can suddenly taste restaurant-worthy with lemon, butter, parsley, and a few capers.

A simple tomato sauce can become brighter.

A potato salad can become more exciting.

Even an ordinary sandwich can get a completely different personality.

Final Thoughts

Capers may be tiny, but they have an enormous amount of personality.

These unopened flower buds have been treasured in Mediterranean cooking for generations, and it’s easy to understand why. Their salty, tangy flavor makes them incredibly useful in sauces, pasta, seafood, chicken, salads, sandwiches, and countless other dishes.

If you’ve never cooked with them before, don’t be intimidated by their unusual appearance or powerful flavor. Start with a small amount, taste as you go, and experiment with combinations like lemon + garlic + olive oil + capers.

Once you get used to keeping a jar in the refrigerator, you may find yourself reaching for it whenever a dish needs just a little something extra.